Sleep is essential for wellbeing, maintaining homeostasis and participating in activities of daily living. Sleep insufficiency, defined as not obtaining restorative sleep, can be a health crisis with a resulting negative economy by causing low productivity, increased absenteeism, decreased job performance, increased health care utilization and potential injury. There are more than 80 defined sleep disorders, each of which results in difficulties completing activities of daily living at home, work or school life. Referral to a physician is indicated for clients reporting unresolved, chronic, potentially serious sleep problems and persistent sleep disturbances that disrupt the daily functioning. Occupational therapists have long acknowledged the influence of sleep on daily performance and work with individuals following diagnosis to create behavioural or environmental changes that facilitate daytime performance and participation.

Role of Occupational Therapy

*Occupational therapists use knowledge of sleep physiology, sleep disorders, and evidence-based sleep promotion practices to evaluate and address the functional ramifications of sleep insufficiency or sleep disorders on occupational performance and participation.

*Occupational therapists evaluate clients in areas that contribute to sleep dysfunction, including difficulties in sleep preparation and sleep participation:

-Modifying the environment, including noise, light, temperature, bedding, and technology use while in bed.

Restful and adequate sleep provides the foundation for optimal occupational performance and participation and has a MAJOR impact on BOTH your physical and mental health. Attention to the impact of sleep is incorporated into the repertoire of occupational therapists and addressed across the lifespan. Prevention and intervention strategies to address individual, family and population-based sleep needs lie within the scope of practice for occupational therapy and represent another way in which the profession approaches clients from a holistic perspective to help them live life to its fullest.

So get some sleep. Call Enable Holistic Occupational Therapy at 587-7980/544-1745 to make an appointment. Visit www.enablenv.com